Practicing Safe Zone Allyship includes…

• Visibly supporting LGBTQ+ individuals on campus
• Continuously expanding your knowledge of LGBTQ+ identities, issues, and current events
• Attending LGBTQ+-centered events both on and off campus
• Using inclusive, respectful, and affirming language
• Avoiding assumptions about a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation
• Sharing resources with others to support LGBTQ+ individuals
• Actively challenging all forms of oppression that impact the LGBTQ+ community
• Collaborating with LGBTQ+ organizations to plan events, trainings, and workshops
• Encouraging peers to become Safe Zone trained

LGBTQ+ college students have diverse experiences that impact their academic success and wellbeing. While many thrive, others face challenges such as mental health issues, harassment, and discrimination. Supportive faculty and inclusive classroom practices can help reduce these barriers and create a more positive learning environment for all students.

Below are tips to help foster inclusion and support LGBTQ+ students:

Set Classroom Expectations

Start the semester by establishing clear expectations for respect and inclusion. A simple statement like, “Everyone is expected to respect each other’s identities, names, and pronouns,” sets a positive tone and creates a foundation for a respectful classroom culture.

Be a Role Model

Model inclusive behavior and language:

• Introduce yourself with your name and pronouns (e.g., “Hi, I’m Professor Tyler. My pronouns are she/her.”) and invite students to share theirs if they feel comfortable.
• Add your pronouns to your email signature and syllabus to show support for gender inclusivity.
• Use gender-neutral greetings like “Hi everyone,” “folks,” or “class,” instead of “guys,” or “ladies and gentlemen.”
• Use inclusive terms like “partner” instead of “boyfriend/girlfriend,” or “people” instead of “men and women.”

Respect Used Names and Pronouns

Not everyone identifies within the gender binary, and some people identify as transgender. To affirm a person’s identity, it is essential to respect their used name and pronouns, regardless of what was assigned to them at birth. This helps create a safer, inclusive learning environment.

• Always use the name and pronouns a person shares, regardless of what’s listed on the roster.
• Don’t assume gender based on appearance or name — this can lead to misgendering.
• Never use someone’s previous name or pronouns; this can be harmful and unsafe.
• Ask for names/pronouns if unsure; use a sign-in sheet instead of roll call.
• Encourage students, if comfortable, to share names and pronouns during introductions.
• Practice using gender pronouns.
• Mistakes happen — briefly apologize (e.g., “I’m sorry, I meant to say…”), then move on with the conversation, making sure to use the correct name and pronouns in the future.
• Calmly correct others if they misgender someone or use exclusionary language. If the misgendered person isn’t present, still correct the mistake to model inclusivity.
• Only refer to someone’s identity if they’ve made it public; never out someone without their consent, as it can put them at risk.

Update Your Syllabus

• Include Ramapo’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Campus Resources to emphasize your commitment to a safer, respectful learning space and to make support accessible to all students.
• Add your pronouns to your syllabus to normalize their use and support transgender and nonbinary students.

Many colleges and universities in North America implement “Safe” programs on their campuses. Sometimes these programs are called “Safe Zone,” “Safe Space,” “Safe Harbor,” or “Safe On Campus.” The hallmark of these “Safe” programs is the public identification of allies by displaying the “Safe” logo, sticker, or sign on office and residence hall doors. Although it is unclear who first conceived of the “Safe” idea, the earliest we could find was the Ball State University program called “SAFE On Campus (Staff, Administration, and Faculty for Equality)” which was implemented during the 1992-1993 academic year. This program, initiated by the Lesbian, Bisexual, and Gay Student Association, included some of the components that we are using presently at Ramapo College.